Five Steps to Sizing a Photovoltaic Solar System
Photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems are made up of interconnected components, each with a specific function. One of the major strengths of PV systems is modularity. As your needs grow, individual components can be replaced or added to provide increased capacity. Following is a brief overview of a typical PV system.
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Solar Array |
The solar array consists of one or more PV modules which convert sunlight into electric energy. The modules are connected in series and/or parallel to provide the voltage and current levels to meet your needs. The array is usually mounted on a metal structure and tilted to face the sun.
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Charge Controller |
Although charge controllers can be purchased with many optional features, their main function is to maintain the batteries at the proper charge level, and to protect them from overcharging.
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Battery Bank |
The battery bank contains one or more deep-cycle batteries, connected in series and/or parallel depending on the voltage and current capacity needed. The batteries store the power produced by the solar array and discharge it when required.
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Inverter |
An inverter is required when you want to power AC devices. The inverter converts the DC power from the solar array/batteries into AC power.
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AC and DC Loads |
These are the appliances (such as lights or radios), and the components (such as water pumps and microwave repeaters), which consume the power generated by your PV array.
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Balance of System |
These components provide the interconnections and standard safety features required for any electrical power system. These include: array combiner box, properly sized cabling, fuses, switches, circuit breakers and meters.
Five Steps to Sizing a PV System
We have provided you with an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide for sizing your PV system. Follow these five steps to determine your requirements and specify the components you will need.
Step 1 - Determine Your Power Consumption Demands
Step 2 - Optimize Your Power System Demands
Step 3 - Size Your Battery Bank
Step 4 - Determine the Sun Hours Available Per Day
Step 5 - Size Your Array
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